Dear commissioners

You have offered a 30-day comment period for the proposed amendment to the Bigfork Area Land Use Plan for the Pierce property. I hope you will take note of the community response to this amendment.

My husband, Richard Idler, was a member of the original group that created the Bigfork Area Land Use Plan about 12 years ago. Their intent was to preserve and protect the character and integrity of our village and surrounding environs. Subsequently, the Bigfork Advisory Board was established to consider requests for variances and zone changes to this plan. I understand that members of this Board are appointed by the Flathead County Commissioners. This Board now consists primarily of realtors and contractors. These members are obviously interested in development as are the commissioners themselves. Such development creates sales for the realtors and business for the contractors. Obviously, it also creates increased taxes within Flathead County. It appears that the vast majority of amendment and zone change requests are granted without any regard for the original intent of the Plan. Our community is aware of these inequities and very concerned about the results.

The state now requires that the original plan be updated. That process is underway. There is no reason to grant a variance (of any kind) until that work has been completed. The size and impact of the Pierce project is very significant to our community. I urge you to deny this amendment and allow the citizens of Bigfork to participate in planning the development of our community.

Thank you,

Nancy Idler

Bigfork